The Jammu and Kashmir administration has unveiled the Jammu Master Plan 2032, a comprehensive blueprint designed to shape the future development of the region.
This ambitious plan addresses several critical areas, including housing, transportation, environmental conservation, and heritage preservation.
A primary focus of the plan is tackling the housing shortage in the region. It introduces new residential zones, with special attention given to low-cost housing for the urban poor, aiming to curb unregulated urban sprawl and slum proliferation.
Moreover, the plan emphasizes the importance of environmental protection, especially conserving natural drainage channels and forests, while preventing unchecked urban expansion into sensitive ecological zones.
The preservation of Jammu’s cultural heritage is another key component. The old city has been designated as a “Special Zone,” with efforts aimed at reviving its historical significance through mixed-use development. This initiative ensures that Jammu’s cultural legacy is safeguarded for future generations.
To enhance connectivity, the plan includes several infrastructure upgrades, such as the expansion of the Jammu Tawi railway station and improvements to air travel facilities at Jammu Airport. Additionally, a public transportation overhaul is in the works, with electric buses and a ropeway project set to improve mobility across the city.
The implementation of the Jammu Master Plan 2032 will require significant funding and transparent governance. Public participation is vital to aligning the initiatives with the needs of the region’s rapidly growing population. Overall, this plan seeks to create a balanced, sustainable urban development model that honors the region’s heritage while promoting growth.
Sources: MENAFN, The Dispatch.